Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1887-12-24
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 1887.


Congress, although in session two
weeks, has as yet accomplished very
little work, mainly for the reason
that Speaker Carlisle, owing to the
unusual pressure brought to bear up
on him for choice committee places,
has been obliged to defer the appoint
ment Of his committees until after
the holiday recess, which will be
from Dec. Odd till Jan. 18th. The only
really important committee thus far
organized is that on Elections, which,
for reasons personal to himself, Mr..
Carlisle requested the House to APP
point-one of its duties being to de-
eide the issue between Carlisle and
Thobe. Apparently there is no good
cause for a contest, still as one
has been Instituted by the misguided
labor reformer, so called, it
must be disposed of according to the
forms of law. There can be little
doubt of the validity of the Kentucky
statesman's claim to his seat.
1t is already evident that much of
the time of Congress during the pres
ent session will be uselessly consum-
ed in the discussion of purely political
questions; but on the eve of what is
destined to be one of the most excit-
ing and closely contested Presidential
campaigns in the country's history,
this is, perhaps, unavoidable. The
first political trade of the session was
delivered, without the slightest PROV
ocation, in the House by the Repub-
lican leader, Mr.. Reed, of Maine, be-
ing a rather feeble and flatulent ar
raignment of the Democracy on the
tariff question. However, a few
ringing sentences from Messrs. Cox
and Hatch sufficed to effectually
silence the batteries of the burly Boa.
nerges of the Republican party.
In the Senate that notorious cham.
pion of fraud and vote-stealer, "Bill'
Chandler, has presented an indict
ment against four sovereign States
South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi
and Louisiana-proposing to regulate
their Congressional elections, through
the medium of Federal Intervention
Chambers idea of regulating election
was exemplified by the Republican
rape of the electoral votes of three O
these same States in the canvass o
1857, and Bill realizes that tn
support of these cOmmonalities i
necessary for Republican success mex
year. But Chandler will get nothin
but a little cheap political capital GU
of his partisan resolution.
Probably the Senate bill that wi
excite the most interest and discus
sion is that of Senator Cullom, prC
viding for the United States Posts
Telegraph, appropriating four milio
dollars for that purpose and designa
ing number of principal cities {
the country to be connected by tn
proposed lines; the bill also provide
for the appointment and regulatio
w. of the employees of the Postal Tel,
graph. This measure, like the Bla
Educational Bill, is a long and 81,
nificant step in the direction of pate
m nal Government, and in direct COZ
- tiict with the spirit and tendencies
" our republican system. This beir
the case, / do not believe the Dem
% Gratis can consistently support eth,
ID m assure. But if both bills shoul
s. pass there are good reasons for b
lieving that the Presidential We
would be interposed.
During the early days of the sc
sion, while there is little business
demand their attention, many of Il
gay and festive Congressman, wi
have doubtless forgotten their MAJ
tai VOWS, are yielding their devote
- to the charms of the giddy fair on
of the Capital. In the Patent Office
few days since q salacious scand
u, came to light-the principals being
Il. Congressman from Kentucky, and
ed petite blonde beauty of the Office.
lis model attendant discovered them
ID compromising position-hence (
ii. public expose. The fair clerk is
nd protege of her admirer, having
OF cured her place last winter. Pen
~ ing investigation of the case, the |
is witching blonde is suspended fire.
ial duty. This is mentioned as a CO.
rs mon phase of Congressional life.
The indications are that there
some opposition to the confirmati
of Mr.. Lamar's nomination, but !
'W enough to defeat it. 1t is hare